Nursing in Practice May/June 2020 (issue 114) | Page 39

et with
n Scotland
edicted what was to come? The fi rst
n was probably the worst. The
has just over 8,000 patients, with
ulation, and guidance was coming
hanged from morning to afternoon.
with reception staff, cancelling
e safe alternate arrangements. One of
as to prepare the practice for seeing
portantly, fl owcharts were created for
We were fortunate to have two
ith a door that opens on to the car
inimal essential equipment so as to
easier. This worked well and patients
r appointed time. If they arrived by car,
ar until a GP phoned their mobile and
ir own where appropriate.
ening of a designated Covid
way – it took a lot of the pressure
ng our turn manning it one morning
centre can only see a limited number
rooms we’ve set aside ready as we
e possible Covid patients again.
pening allowed us time to plan and
maries for 3,000 of our patients who
isters or in other high-risk groups.
ed over 90 during this time, mainly
pdate their emergency contacts and
rrangements in place for shopping.
hings have happened that would
ot extra phone lines, and two
cams for video calling within a few
ot to have a shortage of PPE, and
ch other if one is running low.
much lower than normal, and people
minor ailments. I would love to think
but I fear that when life returns to
ice nurses in Scotland have been well
r Scotland. In Glasgow and Clyde we
r practice nurse support and
st by each other. It has been fantastic
odwill during this diffi cult time, how
lp, and the cooperation between
nd secondary care, and community
continue.
It has
been
fantastic
to see
so much
kindness
and
goodwill
during this
diffi cult
time
Rhona Aikman
is lead practice
nurse at Gourock
Medical Practice
in Inverclyde